DESCRIPTION

The Principal Contract and Grant Officer, operating under a formal delegation of authority to execute grants and contracts, provides professional expertise to faculty and other researchers for research programs, contracts, and other agreements with all types of external entities (public, private, state, local, foreign, etc.) The responsibilities include managing, negotiating, and executing a wide variety of unfunded research agreements, such as confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, data use agreements, collaboration agreements, clinical trial agreements, consortium agreements, memoranda of understanding/letters of intent, and teaming agreements. Incumbent is responsible for providing expert guidance and consulting with researchers, overseeing administrative management/problem resolution during the term of the contract, and managing the close-out of such contracts. The Principal Contract and Grant Officer negotiates the most highly complex, high profile, and high-risk contracts independently, and is expected to be skilled in managing complex intellectual property, licensing, and indemnity/liability matters.

The Principal Contract and Grant Officer is responsible for a portfolio of the highest profile and complex agreements with a variety of entities and requires expert analytical skills, and detailed knowledge of UC policy and federal regulations. This involves interactions and negotiations with outside entities at the highest leadership levels. Responsibilities at this level also include one-on-one high-level guidance to Principal Investigators and Department/ORU business administrators, mentoring and training of OCGA Senior Officers and other analysts, and collaborating with other offices (including the Office of Innovation & Commercialization, Export Control, Conflict of Interest, Office of IRB Administration, Office of General Counsel, and Risk Management). Response time for these transactions is often critical and requires expert negotiation and facilitation skills.

The Principal Contract and Grant Officer collaborates with UC San Diego investigators and external parties to determine the nature and scope of the relationships and projects of UC San Diego investigators, and independently develops the business terms of the research project. The Officer also provides direct consultation to faculty, campus administrators and external parties in such areas as UC principles, policies, and appropriate contract language; training and educating campus and unit colleagues,and participates in the strategy planning and implementation unit and university leadership, to increase, broaden, develop and maintain UC San Diego’s collaborative relationship with external entities.

The Office of Contract & Grant Administration at University of California, San Diego, is committed to actively promoting our Principles of Community and continually advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within all levels of our organization. In line with the goals of UC San Diego’s Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence supporting a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and fostering a positive and welcome climate where all are valued, we strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented communities to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Business Administration or the equivalent combination of education and experience in sponsored research administration preferably within a higher education environment. Requires four years of experience in administrative analysis or operations research.

• Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment. Demonstrated knowledge of university research policies, procedures, organization, and structure preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge and proven ability to perform review of complex funding/contract solicitations including Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and to analyze and negotiate complex, moderate-risk terms and conditions of resulting awards/contracts in relation to receipt of University funding from extramural sponsors.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and comprehend conditions of award/legal agreements of moderate complexity and risk and recognize impact of potential problems and formulate subsequent resolutions. In-depth knowledge of terms and conditions of a variety of moderately complex award instruments (e.g., contracts, collaborations/consortia, non-disclosure/proprietary information agreements) with an emphasis on publication restrictions, patents, copyrights, rights in data, indemnification, conflict of interest, etc.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in drafting correspondence, complex award language, and agreement modifications. Demonstrated comprehension skills consistent with the ability to understand information contained in complex requisitions, technical specifications, purchase contracts, business reports, etc., and be able to relate it to applicable policies and procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to independently resolve potential conflicts with extramural sponsors, as well as with University faculty/researchers and administrative staff. Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and develop written policies and procedures.

• Advanced knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc. Clear understanding of the necessary compliance approvals needed prior to the release of funds.

• Ability to manage high volume and complex transactions. Demonstrated ability to work with detail and assist in the preparation and review of a large volume of complex documents rapidly and accurately. Demonstrated ability to prioritize heavy workload, meet deadlines, cope with peak workload periods and apply creativity and originality in time-sensitive problem-solving situations.

• Proficiency in the Microsoft suite of productivity applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Visio. Demonstrated ability to compile, review, and analyze information/data, and recommend alternatives, when performing moderately complex problem resolution. Ability to analyze data through spreadsheets, prepared concise presentations. Utilize extensive electronic proposal submission skills via a variety of sponsor web-based/email-based submission vehicles.

• Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements. Demonstrated comprehension skills consistent with the ability to understand information contained in complex requisitions, technical specifications, purchase contracts, business reports, etc and be able to relate it to applicable policies and procedures.

• Full knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, sponsor-specific policies, intellectual property policy, conflict of interest requirements, publication rights, application of indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal policies governing contracts at educational institutions, including but not limited to Export Controls (EAR, ITAR, etc.), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs), Department of Defense Acquisition Regulations (DFARs), U.S. Agency for International Development Regulations (AIDARs), U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), Uniform Guidance, Public Laws, etc

• Excellent/effective oral and written communication skills, including ability to construct complex legal language as well as persuasive correspondence to convey information in a clear, organized, and concise manner. Demonstrated excellent customer service/interpersonal skills including diplomacy, tact, and patience when interacting with all individuals both internal and external to the University.

• Demonstrated comprehension skills consistent with the ability to understand information contained in complex requisitions, technical specifications, purchase contracts, business reports, etc. and be able to relate it to applicable policies and procedures.

• Demonstrated skill in organizing and setting priorities and accomplishing tasks in an environment with ever-changing priorities and frequent interruptions. Proven ability to work independently with minimal direction. Demonstrated ability to adapt, implement, provide input into, and evaluate new procedures, systems, and processes. Demonstrated effective organizational systems and priority-setting skills. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to effectively work in and facilitate a team environment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job Offer is contingent on satisfactory results of a background check.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• This position is eligible for a Hybrid flexible work arrangement, which could include a non-standard work schedule, and/or the ability to work off-site part of the time.